The hottest Existence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Novelty

Aether Pirates of the Matterium! • 16804 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. In the Matterium, currency is seen as 'novelty' which is highly valued.
  2. The Khazarian Mafia struggles to produce real novelty and is jealous of those who can.
  3. Creativity, the ability to create new ideas, is a trait that catches the attention of 'Other Minds' observing humans.

Underrated reasons to be thankful V

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1750 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Dogs truly love their owners, even if their affection is shaped by evolution. It's nice to know that our pets have genuine feelings for us.
  2. We have tools and innovations that can help prevent infectious diseases, like the common cold, if we choose to use them. It's reassuring to think that we could potentially outsmart these germs.
  3. Life expectancy improvements from curing diseases may seem small, but working on them all together could lead to much bigger gains in the future. It's good to remember that progress takes time and effort.

Inverted Darwinism

Anima Mundi • 123 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. You can have everything society says you should want and still feel hollow or like you’re disappearing.
  2. As survival becomes easier, the psychological structures that evolved to give life meaning under scarcity stop working, causing a kind of "meaning‑extinction."
  3. That emptiness isn’t just personal failure or clinical illness but an evolutionary mismatch, so simple fixes like gratitude often don’t resolve it.

Into the Waters of Being

Becoming Noble • 3249 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existence
  1. Taking risks and confronting the possibility of death can mark a transition into maturity and authenticity.
  2. Reflecting on existential concepts like Nothingness and mortality can lead to a deeper understanding of one's existence.
  3. Encountering the power and mystery of deep bodies of water can serve as a profound and transformative experience.
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On the Threshold

Anima Mundi • 144 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Humans need moments of pause at thresholds to reflect on what was and what might be, and these pauses help settle the year into memory and make space for what wants to emerge.
  2. Two strands of writing will be offered: long, deeply developed essays published regularly, and shorter weekly reviews that track thinking in real time; paid subscriptions support the time needed for the deeper work and a New Year discount is available.
  3. There's an invitation to take a still moment to let go and take stock between years, paired with gratitude for shared attention and an open call to continue the conversation together.

The hidden against the manifest

Eucatastrophologist • 1218 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Different perspectives exist and disagreements are normal, it's important to be aware of popular trends of thinking
  2. The demon of demythologisation is about interpreting the world in a fixed way, stripping away mystery
  3. Value perception is crucial in understanding how we view and interpret the world, and affects what we find valuable

Deus Ex Machina

imetatronink • 1611 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. The world is described as a place filled with engineered plagues and masks as symbols of love.
  2. There is a critique on society where the rich thrive and the poor are content with their circumstances.
  3. The text raises the idea that intelligence is now manufactured to serve human needs.

Jester’s Privilege

Becoming Noble • 1375 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. The Vitalist Right movement is described as being built on a disembodied space of pure voice lacking physicality, leading to a constant state of transition with no lasting structures being built
  2. The jester in this environment thrives due to the privilege of provocation without fear of physical retribution, a role that overshadows proper leadership qualities
  3. Embracing solitude, silence, and decisive action appears to be valued virtues over endless gossip and dreaming in a space where nothing tangible can be built

sunday end of the year pool

bad cattitude • 78 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Time flies, and the end of the year is a natural moment to pause and think about how time passes.
  2. The events and challenges of the year build up and take a real emotional and physical toll.
  3. The full essay is behind a paywall, so you need to be a paid subscriber or sign in to read the rest.

Does The Past Exist?

Castalia • 579 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Some people believe that the past doesn't matter as much because they think progress leads to better results today. They argue that everything improves over time, like athletes breaking records.
  2. However, the author argues that past achievements in areas like literature and chess have their own unique value and should not be dismissed. The past has lessons and beauty that are still relevant today.
  3. It's important to respect the past and recognize its significance. It shouldn't just be seen as a stepping stone for the present.

Befriending the void

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2844 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existence
  1. We are often afraid of experiencing unmediated, raw existence without constantly asserting our identity.
  2. By learning to befriend the void through contemplative practice, we can find a sense of peace and acceptance.
  3. Being comfortable with the void can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and a sense of gratitude for existence.

You're so smart

Becoming Noble • 398 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. The author highlights the importance of encouraging readers to engage in thoughtful discussions and voice their opinions.
  2. There is a discussion on academia's need for a more formal network and standards, similar to a sacred order, to enhance knowledge sharing.
  3. The post delves into the complexities surrounding AI and how it impacts society biologically and socially, urging a deeper understanding of the system's dynamics.

The Complexity Illusion.

Prime Cuts Newsletter • 393 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. We are moving through space at incredible speeds, yet it doesn't impact our daily lives.
  2. Life may seem complex with advancements and new research, but at the core, it remains simple.
  3. Despite the appearance of increasing complexity, focus on making simple moves in life.

Causal realism, or should you eat your pet?

The Lifeboat • 206 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Causal realism suggests that what is real isn't just about facts but about how ideas and beliefs can have real impacts. This means both true and false information can shape our actions and the world around us.
  2. Drawing lines between what's real and not, or true and false, has become tricky in today's vast, information-rich world. It's important to recognize these lines can shift based on personal beliefs and cultural contexts.
  3. We need to be cautious about simplistically labeling things as real or fake. Both can influence people's thoughts and behaviors, so acknowledging the complexity of information is crucial for understanding our reality.

Death smiles at us all

Becoming Noble • 378 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Time is an alien force that impacts all of us, and we must learn to embrace it.
  2. Existence in time means every decision becomes permanent, leading into an unknowable future.
  3. Despite the fear of time and God's eternal view of our actions, individual agency is crucial, and we have a limited window to act.

Why I Don't Buy The Moral Argument

Bentham's Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. The traditional moral argument for the existence of God is not convincing because the premise that without God, objective moral values do not exist is not plausible for all.
  2. Having God as the source of morality does not provide a satisfactory grounding for morality as it creates more questions and issues.
  3. Explaining the existence of moral facts by positing God as the source is as arbitrary as positing other explanations like pleasure being good.

NUOVE PROVE DA SUPERARE

ANDREA CECCHI Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Videogames often require overcoming challenges to progress in the story.
  2. The book 'The Simulation Hypothesis' by Simon Virk explores the thin line between perceived reality and technological possibilities.
  3. Our future is shaped by strategic choices, whether in a video game or in real life.

We Must Outcompete Our Elders

Everything Is Bullshit • 294 implied HN points • 16 May 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Continually outcompeting elders is key to human progress and satisfaction.
  2. Intergenerational Competition Theory suggests achieving collective success through generational growth.
  3. Societal stability and satisfaction can be linked to the ongoing improvement of each new generation over the previous one.

No More Good Vibes Only

Grandmotherly Wisdom • 255 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Positive energy can come from things, places, and people we encounter.
  2. We are all interconnected with modern civilization and its impacts.
  3. Creation of a better world involves acknowledging and transforming all types of vibes, not just the good ones.

Universes Aren't Real

Outlandish Claims • 59 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. The concept of universes being 'real' or 'unreal' is not a straightforward matter and cannot be definitively determined.
  2. The framework discussed in the text helps dissolve the age-old metaphysical question of 'Why is there something instead of nothing?'
  3. Existence is viewed as an intersection of infinite universes, each potentially different, which leads to the idea of living in a reality governed by physical laws rather than a simulation.

2.5 Years of Upheaval

The Upheaval • 1330 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. The Substack reflects on 2.5 years of exploring upheaval.
  2. The author concludes that the current upheaval is a result of totalitarianism.
  3. The author is transitioning to writing full-time and expresses gratitude to subscribers for their support.

Ten Categories of Undying Beings

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. There are ten interesting ways to think about immortality. Each category represents a different aspect of how one might achieve or understand being undying.
  2. Categories like 'Biological Stasis' and 'Regenerative Longevity' suggest methods related to physical health and recovery.
  3. More abstract ideas like 'Conceptual Persistence' and 'Ontological Necessity' explore deeper philosophical notions about existence and being.

Is Death A Bad Thing?

Strange Wonder • 117 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Death is often approached with fear or hope, but is largely unknown.
  2. Evidence for an afterlife is inconclusive, leading to uncertainty.
  3. The idea of death as non-existence can be comforting, offering peace and forgiveness.

Two Pieces of Not Quite Poetry

Bentham's Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existence
  1. A beautiful narrative of a chance encounter in the rain on New Year's Eve
  2. Speculation on God providing glimpses into an indifferent universe without him
  3. A theory of reality that aims to explain the existence of physical stuff, evil, consciousness, laws, and more with beauty and explanatory power

Purgatory

Holly Elmore • 157 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existence
  1. Purgatory metaphor symbolizes the fear of self-acceptance and desire for perfection.
  2. Living in Purgatory means denying current reality and missing out on opportunities.
  3. Antidote to Purgatory is accepting oneself as is and embracing the present reality.

A 2x2 matrix theory of personal survival over time (revisited)

Philosophy bear • 78 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. There are different ways to think about what makes you 'you' over time, like whether it's your body or your mind that defines you.
  2. In some thought experiments, like brain transplants or teleportation, we can see that people have different views on who survives these changes.
  3. Ultimately, whether we feel we survive or not may depend on personal choices, and what truly matters could be our experiences and relationships rather than strict definitions of identity.

The Empire's Phantom Enemies

History's Parrot • 78 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. The empire's enemies are considered phantoms, and its wars are seen as barbaric.
  2. Empires need to understand what they are made of, often consisting of fictional enemies and tales.
  3. It is important to know and understand the truth to move forward and solve problems.

Learning to see the world as a botanic garden

Eternal Sunshine of the Stochastic Mind • 119 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Existence
  1. Visiting a botanic garden can offer a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for nature's beauty.
  2. Being surrounded by diverse plant life helps in fostering a deep connection with the environment.
  3. Moments of awe and admiration from nature can bring clarity and perspective to everyday challenges, reminding us of the beauty in imperfection.

The Case For Life

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 24 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existence
  1. The question of whether life is worthwhile is often pondered in times of distress, highlighting the nature of the mind.
  2. The emergence of life preceded the application of logic, leading to a mysterious and unanswerable question of why life exists.
  3. The root cause of suffering is often attributed to disconnection with oneself, others, and the environment, suggesting that feeling connected can dissolve doubts about the worth of life.

The Reckoning of Time

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. Timekeeping has deep cultural roots and was originally intertwined with religious and social practices.
  2. Modernity saw a shift in the importance of timekeeping from a human endeavor to a machine-driven process.
  3. The modern expectation of universal and standardized participation in societal issues contrasts with the historical concept of individualized duties and roles.

A Dream in Search of its Ego

Boltzmann Soul • 19 implied HN points • 14 May 24
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. The concept of Boltzmann brain suggests that a brain could randomly form from universe fluctuations.
  2. The idea that all phenomena could be the universe's attempt to understand itself sparks intriguing parallels with various philosophies.
  3. Exploration of topics like technology, science, wine, and finance can lead to uncovering wonders in seemingly random subjects.